Page 34 - SAMENA Trends - February-March 2021

REGIONAL & MEMBERS UPDATES SAMENA TRENDS

that could be piloted are: use with Sub6 GHz spectrum and other Mobility Network. This 5G system allows
• Mobile-to-mobile connectivity across/ components needed to enable 5G. This 5G for increased carrier speeds and provides
between medical devices, allowing the coverage extends to the recently opened the next generation of cellular and mobility
tracking of people and assets within the Mental Health & Research building. We technology for both veterans and staff. It
facility. expect to deploy MEC and 5G millimeter sets the groundwork for future capabilities
• Improved medical procedures and wave spectrum and technologies in 2021, of mobility networks for VA users and
training through the use of emerging which will significantly boost speeds applications.” Chris Smith, Vice President
technologies such as augmented reality while improving latency. Daniel Mesimer, – Civilian and Shared Services, AT&T Public
(AR) and virtual reality (VR). Director, WAN/LAN Infrastructure Sector and FirstNet said “This public-
• Remote and virtual pain management Engineering & Provisioning Solution private partnership to test our 5G and
using AR and VR. Delivery, Office of Information and MEC capabilities is distinguished by the
• Remote and/or near real-time surgical Technology, IT Operations and Services, scope of implementation and innovation
assistance via the ability to layer U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs “AT&T it allows, going well beyond a single-room
multiple surgical techniques using AR. has installed a full 5G Distributed Antenna care environment to encompass an entire
What is the status of the technology System (DAS) encompassing the entire medical care and training campus. It’s an
implementation? Seattle VA Medical Center. This is the first honor to work with the VA to explore the
We have completed installation of a 5G campus-wide indoor 5G system to be used future of 5G and MEC-powered healthcare
Distributed Antenna System (DAS) for by both VA staff and veterans on the AT&T innovations.”

AT&T CEO Discusses Closing the Digital Divide

John Stankey, chief executive officer
of AT&T Inc., spoke at the AT&T Policy
Forum on the steps needed to make high-
speed internet connections accessible,
affordable and sustainable to more rural
and low-income families. In a discussion
with Steve Clemons, Editor at Large of The
Hill, Stankey said industry and government
can work together to financially incentivize
investments and modernize subsidy
programs to ensure that all children
can learn and workers can do their jobs
remotely. Failure to act will only further
disenfranchise young Americans who
already face challenging social and
economic situations. Supporting students
and workers through this current public formation of a task force to improve 1996 on communications network
health crisis, and beyond, is a social, broadband maps. Stankey applauded infrastructure. Congress and the FCC
business and economic imperative. He the new FCC. Modernize FCC’s Lifeline should maintain policies that incentivize
identified 3 key elements that will help and E-Rate programs. Goal is to be more providers to continue investing in
close the digital divide: consumer-friendly, increase monthly broadband connectivity. The public and
Identify where broadband is and isn’t financial support for broadband service private sector have key roles to play in
available. In December, Congress allocated and move to a more sustainable funding bringing broadband to all Americans in
$65 million for precise broadband source. Continued encouragement of ways that are accessible, affordable and
mapping. Acting FCC Chairwoman Jessica private investment. Broadband providers sustainable. The time to act is now.
Rosenworcel announced last week the have invested nearly $2 trillion since

AT&T Unveils 2021 5G Strategy

As part of its Analyst & Investor Day, and venues, entertainment, travel and technologies to deliver new, unique and
AT&T shared long-term goals to bring transportation, business transformation, secure experiences. “Connectivity is at the
AT&T’s fast, reliable and secure 5G to and security and public safety. And for heart of everything we do - 140 years and
more consumers, businesses, and first many of our business customers, we’re counting. From our fiber network backbone
responders across key areas: sports marrying 5G along with edge compute to the layers of wireless spectrum

34 FEB-MAR 2021